Kota Kinabalu: Police foiled a drug distribution syndicate with the arrest of three men and a woman and the seizure of 20.7kg of ketamine worth over RM1 million during a raid in Kepayan.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the raid was carried out by a Narcotics Crime Investigation team on Sept 4 at a courier service premises in Taman Sri Kepayan, Jalan Rampai.
Checks on two green sacks uncovered 20 black packets labelled “Tie Guan Yin,” believed to contain ketamine, weighing 20.7kg, with an estimated value of RM1.035 million.
“The drugs could feed nearly 69,000 addicts for a single use,” he told a press conference at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters, here, Tuesday.
Police first detained the company’s 36-year-old manager before arresting three more suspects – a 58-year-old operations clerk, a 47-year-old director and his 46-year-old wife. All are locals.
He said the suspects’ roles ranged from managing supply, facilitating clearance of parcels at KKIA cargo and ownership of the courier service that served as a front for the syndicate.
Urine tests showed the first suspect was positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Various assets were also seized, including five luxury cars, including a Lamborghini Aventador, Mercedes-Benz E250, Mercedes-Benz CLA300, Toyota Alphard and Chevrolet Colorado, as well as branded handbags, electronics and RM4,670 cash.
The haul was valued at RM3.18 million, bringing the total seizure, including drugs, to RM4.2 million.
“All suspects are remanded until Sept 11 under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment,” Jauteh said.
He said the syndicate had been smuggling drugs from the peninsula through air cargo, disguising parcels with items like instant noodles and diapers.
“This success reflects continuous intelligence work and public cooperation. The fight against drugs will remain a top priority,” he said.
